Joy of Christmas giving

Toney Towler (left) and Latavian Burton look at a toy at a temporary Christmas store set up for students at New Hope Elementary School.

Students at New Hope Elementary School have been stocking up on Christmas gifts for family and friends, thanks to a women’s mission group known as the Bessie King Circle.
The women, all members of Tabernacle United Methodist Church, have set up a Christmas store where students can purchase gifts, most priced between 50 cents and $2.
“We’re mainly trying to get items that are affordable,” said Lynda Dalton, a member of Bessie King Circle. “This is the first year we have done everything from setting up the store to stocking it with gifts.
“Gift donations mainly came from the church, but word spread through the community. It kind of branched out.”
Each gift purchased by a student was hand-wrapped by the volunteer women.
Some gifts were handmade, such as decorative baby jars filled with candy, beaded jewelry and ornaments.
Other gifts included stuffed animals, small toys, stationary, pens, pencils, candles, hair accessories and even dog bones tied with red and green bows for family pets.
“This community really supports the school and does whatever they can to help out,” said Linda Wilson, another member of the group who helped wrap gifts. “It’s a joy to see the looks on these kids faces.
“That’s why we do it. For their pleasure.”
Fifth-grade students in Brenda Fariss’ class had an opportunity to shop Wednesday afternoon.
“I’m just happy for them,” Fariss said. “I think the joy is keeping it a secret.
“If parents take them, they see. Here they can get something and keep it a secret.
“The just love putting something under the tree that nobody knows what it is but them.”
Tiana Terry was shopping for her mom, dad and aunt.
“I already have something picked out for my aunt,” Yancey said. “I’m going to get another one of the same thing for my mom.”
Shopping for her mom, grandmother and little cousin was Shyqueria Yancey.
“I’ve got something picked out for my little cousin,” Yancey said. “I think she’s really going to like it.”
All money raised by the Christmas shop will be go to the Parent Teacher Association at New Hope Elementary.